The recruitment program has announced the approved financial allocations for clubs in the Saudi Professional League for the new season, where financial support has been determined based on precise criteria including sports performance, commercial success, and broadcasting rights. A fixed share has also been allocated and will be distributed equally among all clubs.
According to sources from the "Asharq Al-Awsat" newspaper, the four major clubs, namely Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad, will receive significantly lower amounts compared to last season. In contrast, some other clubs have seen an increase in their allocations, such as Al-Riyadh Club, which will receive its largest financial support since returning to the Professional League.
Event Details
Al-Riyadh Club, which has successfully remained in the Professional League for the third consecutive season, received financial support in its first season after promotion, but did not receive any allocations in the second season. However, its share improved last season, and it has recorded another increase this season after winning against Al-Akhidood in the last round, ensuring its continued presence in the league.
Additionally, Al-Khaleej Club will receive higher allocations than last season, providing it with a greater opportunity to maneuver in the transfer market, especially after the contracts of five of its foreign players, including Greek Dimitris Fortounis, expired. Meanwhile, Norwegian striker Joshua King will continue to be among the players whose contracts are funded by the program.
Background & Context
Conversely, Al-Shabab and Al-Fateh clubs will see a decline in their allocations compared to previous seasons, after having been among the clubs that benefited most from the program's support. Al-Ettifaq Club has received a substantial budget this season, after not receiving any support from the program in the past two seasons.
As for the newly promoted clubs to the Professional League, such as Abha, Al-Faisaly, and Al-Dhariyah, they have not yet received a final notification regarding their financial allocations. It is noteworthy that Al-Dhariyah Club underwent privatization over the past two years, which increases the importance of financial support for these clubs.
Impact & Consequences
The recruitment program relies on four main criteria for distributing its allocations, where 22% of the total amounts are allocated equally among all clubs, 22% based on sports performance, while 28% is distributed according to broadcasting revenue and 28% based on commercial performance. These criteria aim to enhance competition among clubs and improve the overall performance of the league.
The impact of these financial allocations can be significant for the clubs, as they will help them strengthen their squads with new players and improve technical performance, positively reflecting on the level of the Saudi league as a whole.
Regional Significance
This step is part of efforts to develop football in Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance the status of the Saudi league on the Asian and global stage. With increased investments in clubs, interest in football in the region is expected to grow, potentially leading to improved levels of local players and increased competitiveness in tournaments.
In conclusion, the recruitment program represents an important step towards improving the financial and technical performance of Saudi clubs, which may contribute to raising the level of football in the region and enhancing its international standing.